Mold 101

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Here's an example of multiple types of growth that was found behind the cabinets in a Waco area home.

With the popularity of home improvement shows such as Fixer Upper and Property Brothers it is now commonplace to hear concerns over the horrors of ‘toxic black mold.’ Though the worry is not unfounded, they are often littered with misconceptions regarding mold. Here at SERVPRO® of Greater Waco we know that only by educating ourselves as much as possible about a problem can we better equipped in resolving it.

It’s important to understand that mold itself isn’t toxic, it is the mycotoxins released by certain molds that are harmful. Some of the culprits that release mycotoxins include: Stachybotrys or “black mold” (a.k.a. stachybotrys chartarum, stachybotrys atra) and species of aspergillus including aspergillus niger, aspergillus flavus, aspergillus fumigatus. For more information check out https://moldpedia.com which goes into some more detail about these species of mold.

Exposure to mold can go undetected but can show up as allergy symptoms such as sneezing, sore eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion that improve when you leave the building. Mold is found everywhere because it can grow on almost any surface as long as the temperature, food source and moisture meet its needs (check out our photo gallery HERE for some good examples of what mold looks like in buildings). In a recent mold inspection of a home in Waco, Tx, it was discovered that the structure contained over 20 types of molds including stachybodrys.

If you suspect that mold of any type is growing in your home or business do not hesitate to call us at (254) 224-5999 to schedule an inspection. An incomplete mold remediation could spread out the mold and lead to more mold growth so we ask that you practice caution if you decide to undertake the project yourself. Read more about what the CDC suggests regarding mold cleanup HERE.